Martin Mayhew says Nick Fairley looks “outstanding” in practice

Arrests for marijuana possession and DUI have a way of catching people’s eyes. Some say that there’s no such thing as bad publicity, something that the Lions defensive tackle might disagree with after the last few months. Especially now that he’s getting a taste of how the other half lives on Wednesday.

Lions General Manager Martin Mayhew singled Fairley out for praise during a session with the media at Lions minicamp. As you’d expect, the praise was limited to Fairley’s on-field work as opposed to his two arrests and possible suspension.

“He’s had an outstanding off-season out here on the field, not so good off the field, but he’s been outstanding in practice here,” Mayhew said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “He’s worked his butt off; he’s in great condition. He’s done some things out here on tape, just running around, that make you run the tape back and go, ‘Who is that?’ He has tremendous, tremendous talent level and, hopefully, he can fulfill that.”

While Mayhew’s praise further destroys the notion that Fairley’s roster spot was in danger after the arrests, it also makes it clear that Fairley’s talent level is the only reason that’s the case. If he doesn’t make good on fulfilling it, they could reach a different conclusion in Detroit.

Yeah, and Leshoure has thrown away all his bongs, Young and Delmas were last seen holding hands over lunch, the HC recently participated in handshake etiquette lessons, Best hasn’t needed an excedrin in 30 days, and Suh recently sent a dozen roses and a book on french poetry to all the Packer’s offensive linemen. Yawn.

gosuhgo says:Jun 13, 2012 1:23 PM

And I’m sure he’ll be great after he serves that 2 game suspension. God he better be good.

seanje says:Jun 13, 2012 1:24 PM

I constantly get ridiculed for it, but I really believe Nick Fairley is the best DT on this team, and I’m confident he’ll show that this year.

Anyone saying Fairley “looks outstanding in practice” translates to stop messing up off the field you moron. Building him up….doesn’t matter how players look at this point because contact isn’t allowed. This is pretty much a useless evaluation. Paea will out-play this one hit wonder this season.

rmc1995 says:Jun 13, 2012 1:44 PM

Talent level is the only reason any player on any team is still on the roster.

ike1973 says:Jun 13, 2012 1:45 PM

Trust me, Fairley isn’t going anywhere. He’ll be a Lion for a long time. Can’t wait to see Suh and Farily beat up the NFC north this season.

I, for one, and putting this in the past. Thats because I think it is. “Make-believe” Lions fans want to keep poking fun at it, but a true Lions fan is looking forward to training camp and trying to forget about this.

If u ask me, the Jags have a bigger problem on their hands. A first round WR who they traded up for basically saying he is done drinking “for now”. But no…its much more fun to keep bringing this crap up. Give me a break.

Yeah, and Leshoure has thrown away all his bongs, Young and Delmas were last seen holding hands over lunch, the HC recently participated in handshake etiquette lessons, Best hasn’t needed an excedrin in 30 days, and Suh recently sent a dozen roses and a book on french poetry to all the Packer’s offensive linemen. Yawn.
——————————————
Love the fact Purpleguy know the name of more than one Lion. Good or bad, that’s a far departure from five years ago. These characters may be headed for a Monster year.

jimmylions says:Jun 13, 2012 2:44 PM

Like rmc1995 said:
“Talent level is the only reason any player on any team is still on the roster.”

Not only that, talent is the only reason any of us have a job … unless you’re related to someone.